Method and a system for using implanted medical device data for accessing therapies

ABSTRACT

A method and system facilitates the access by a patient of implanted medical device related data for patient participation in their own clinical care and therapy. In an example embodiment, the method includes establishing a communications link between an implanted medical device and a data processor via an implanted medical device interface. Access to a secured database is obtained via the implanted device data processor using a set of patient identification data. A query is then submitted via the data processor to the secured database in response to input patient diagnostic data. Data received from the secured database is then displayed for use in a patient evaluation.

RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSerial No. 60/173,062, filed on Dec. 24, 1999 (P-8857), entitled“Chronic Real-Time Information Management Systems for ImplantableMedical Devices (IMDs).” The specification and drawings of theProvisional application are specifically incorporated herein in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a method and a systemfor using implanted medical device data to access medical dataprocessing systems. Specifically, the invention relates to a method anda system for remotely accessing medical data processing systems adaptedto provide implanted device therapies in response to patient diagnosticdata received from an implanted medical device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In recent years, implantable medical device technology hasrapidly advanced. Sizes and weights have decreased, while functionalityhas increased. These advances have created a corresponding demand fortwo-way communication between the implantable medical device and anexternal device, for example, a programmer device. In a pacemakersystem, for example, a programmer device downloads to an implantedpacemaker data such as operating parameters. Likewise, data may flowfrom the implanted device to the programmer device. Modern pacemakersare capable of storing significant amounts of data about the patient,for example, physiological data such as electrocardiogram (EGM), andinformation pertaining to the pacemaker itself, for example, batteryvoltage level. This data may need to be transmitted to the programmerdevice for evaluation by a physician.

[0004] Currently implanted medical device programmers typically includean extendible head portion that includes an antenna. The antenna isconnected to other circuitry in the programmer device via a stretchablecoil cable. Thus, the head portion can be positioned over the patient'simplanted device site for programming or telemetry interrogation of theimplanted device. Command instructions or data that are downloaded tothe implanted device are referred to as downlink transmissions, and datatransmitted from the implanted device to the programmer device arereferred to as uplink transmissions.

[0005] A technology-based health care system that fully integrates thetechnical and social aspects of patient care and therapy should be ableto flawlessly connect the patient with care providers irrespective ofseparation distance or location of the participants. While clinicianswill continue to treat patients in accordance with accepted modemmedical practice, developments in communications technology are makingit ever more possible to provide medical services in a time and placeindependent manner.

[0006] Prior art methods of clinical services are generally limited toin-hospital operations. For example, if a physician needs to review theperformance parameters of an implanted device, the patient will likelyvisit the clinic. If the medical condition of the patient with theimplanted device warrants a continuous monitoring or adjustment of thedevice, the patient will have to stay in the hospital for an extendedperiod of time. Such continuous treatment plans pose both economic andsocial hardship on patients. Depending on the frequency of datacollection this procedure may seriously inconvenience patients that livein rural areas or have limited physical mobility. The need for upgradingthe software of an implanted medical device also requires another tripto the hospital to have the upgrade installed. Further, as the segmentof the population with implanted medical devices increases many morehospitals, clinics and service personnel will be needed to providein-hospital care to patients, thus escalating the cost of healthcare.

[0007] Emergency trips to the hospital or clinic also increase the costof healthcare due to lack of early detection of heart conditions, suchas arrhythmias, that are treatable with less invasive practices such asmedicinally, if the condition is detected on a timely basis. As theheart condition worsens, the need for physician intervention and longterm hospitalization and medication increases. Current detectors ofheart conditions, such as arrhythmia detectors, are available but thesedevices suffer from the shortcomings of external monitoring devices. Thedifficulties of patients to educate and inform themselves about medicaldevices prospectively or devices implanted in them, outside of theconfines of the hospital, and to participate in their own clinical careand therapy by learning of the latest developments in this area areadditional factors that contribute to the increasing costs ofhealthcare.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed toaddressing various needs in connection with reducing healthcare costs byfacilitating the access of general and specific information on apatient's implanted medical device (IMD), thereby allowing the patientto participate in their own clinical care and therapy. Accordingly, thepresent invention provides a method and system for facilitating apatient's access to current IMD diagnostic data for timelyadministration of medical therapies with the assistance of an dataprocessor.

[0009] In various embodiments the present invention supports acommunications system for providing web-based data resources to capture,analyze, format and display patient-specific information on demand andin real-time. In addition, the invention provides an Internet-basedsecure site to enable a patient to uplink their IMD to transfer datainto a data management center where the data is analyzed and relevanttherapy/clinical care is dispensed accordingly. Another aspect of theinvention pertains to arrhythmia management via a programmable patientarrhythmia notification device in coordination with the patient's IMD.The notification device can also communicate with a web-based remotedata management center. In another aspect of the invention, IMD patientshave access to a web-based data management system for IMDs for accessingvarious clinical and therapy alternatives and relatedinformation/services.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, a method and systemfacilitates the access by a patient of implanted medical device relateddata for patient participation in clinical care and therapy. The methodincludes establishing a communications link between an implanted medicaldevice and a data processor via an implanted medical device interface.Access to a secured database is obtained via the implanted device dataprocessor using a set of patient identification data. A query is thensubmitted via the data processor to the secured database in response toinput of patient diagnostic data. Data received from the secureddatabase is then displayed for use in a patient evaluation.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method andsystem facilitates access by an IMD patient to their own IMD diagnosticdata for patient education and evaluation. The method includesestablishing a communications link between an implanted medical deviceand a data processor via an implanted medical device interface. Accessto a secured database is obtained via the data processor by using a setof patient identification data. Further, a set of patient diagnosticdata from the implanted medical device is then transmitted to the dataprocessor for processing. A set of formatted data is then generated, asa function of a data request from the patient, via the data processorusing the patient diagnostic data. The set of formatted data receivedfrom the secured database via the data processor is then displayed foruse in a patient evaluation regimen as required by the doctor orestablished medical care.

[0012] The above summary of the present invention is not intended todescribe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of thepresent invention. The figures in the detailed description that followmore particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention may be more completely understood in considerationof the following detailed description of various embodiments of theinvention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014]FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a system for facilitatingthe access by an MD patient to a data processor capable of processingIMD related data in accordance with an example embodiment of theinvention;

[0015]FIG. 1B is a flow diagram illustrating an example manner ofimplementing therapies in connection with detected heart conditions inaccordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating another manner of accessingIMD diagnostic data and implementing therapies in connection withdetected heart conditions in accordance with another example embodimentof the invention; and

[0017]FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system for accessing and processing IMDinformation as a function of an IMD patient's request in accordance withan example embodiment of the invention.

[0018] While the invention is amenable to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of examplein the drawings and will be described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention tothe particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention is generally directed to a method andsystem for generating an IMD related data response as a function of adetected condition in connection with a patient's IMD. While the presentinvention is not necessarily limited to such an application, theinvention will be better appreciated using a discussion of exampleembodiments in such a specific context.

[0020] Early patient notification of various heart conditions canempower a patient to take direct action regarding management of theidentified heart condition. In the case of arrhythmias, a device guidedantiarrhythmic therapy would allow patients to use drug therapy basedupon implanted device notification rather than having to seek medicalattention for recurring arrhythmic events. One of the capabilitiesprovided by the present invention is that of arrhythmic detection withprogrammable notification tailored to specific drug therapies. Accuratedetection of atrial fibrillation is a component of a properly operatingpatient notification device and IMD therapy implementation system.

[0021] In an example embodiment, an external messaging system isprovided and adapted to communicate with an IMD and use an alpha-numericmessaging program to instruct the patient when to schedule drug therapy.A configurable treatment process is incorporated into an arrhythmiamonitoring and notification system for guiding medication therapy forarrhythmia termination, fast ventricular response, or anticoagulationtherapy. The configurable features cooperate with the external messagingcircuit to assist in scheduling or rescheduling therapy based on patientaction and drug delivery timing. The process also provides closed loopcommunications between an implantable drug delivery system and animplanted electrical therapy device. The system of the present inventiongreatly simplifies the patient's role in the decision loop forself-administration of IMD therapies.

[0022] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagramof a system 100 for facilitating the access by a patient to an implantedmedical device data processor that is capable of detecting variousconditions in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention.System 100 facilitates the access by a patient to implanted medicaldevice related data for the patient's participation in clinical care andtherapy. System 100, in this example, includes an IMD port interface 104that is coupled to an IMD 102 via a communications link 106.Communications link 106 is established, in this example, via telemetrywhen port interface 104 is in close proximity to the MD. The link canalso be established, for example, with radio frequency signal basedtelemetry. MD interface 104 includes features of a programming head orwand that is incorporated into a programming unit for detecting andtransmitting IMD diagnostic data. In another embodiment, IMD interface104 includes an IRM (Interactive Remote Monitor) that is used to uplinkdata from the implanted device to IMD data processor 108 or to a relatedwebsite. IMD port interface 104 is coupled via communications link 110to an IMD data processor 108, which includes a database 109.Communications link 110 can be established via a telephone, a videoconference call, a cellular telephone, via a separate Internetconnection or other related communications formats for the transmissionof data and voice to IMD data processor 108. IMD data processor 108 iscoupled via a communications link 111 to a communications network 112,which includes a server 113. Network 112 is in turn coupled to a dataprocessing center 114 via a communications link 116. The data processingcenter includes medical personnel that analyze and evaluate diagnosticdata received from an MD. The data processing center may be co-locatedwith the patient or may be located remote from the patient and accessedthrough communications network 112.

[0023] In this example embodiment, a patient messaging system (PMS) 118,co-located with IMD 102 is coupled to IMD data processor 108 via IMDinterface 104. PMS 118 includes a display 119 and a circuit adapted toassess and detect heart conditions in conjunction with the IMD. Thecircuit includes a processor 118A and a memory arrangement 118B as wellas an audio signal arrangement (not shown) for emitting sounds that areaudible by a patient having IMD 102. A similar circuit is also withindata processor 108 for remote detection of heart conditions. In oneexample embodiment, PMS 118 is coupled to IMD 102 via a telemetry link120 and is adapted to access IMD status information and independentlyalert the patient of a heart condition that requires some form oftherapy or treatment. The patient is then advised of the therapy optionsavailable for treating the detected condition. In another embodiment,the patient initiates a patient query to determine IMD status. In bothembodiments, PMS 118 generates at least one suggested therapy (medicinaland/or electrical pulse) that is displayed on display 119 and that is beexercised or administered primarily by the patient. In yet anotherembodiment, PMS 118 is also capable of programming or reconfiguringcertain program features within IMD 102.

[0024] System 100 of the present invention provides the capabilities ofnotifying a patient of an arrhythmia onset and guiding the patientand/or physician to administer the appropriate drug or electricaltherapy. By using PMS 118, which in this example is an alphanumericmessaging and programmable patient notification device, the patient isguided through various pharmacological and electrical therapies asrequired. The patient can now critically time the taking of medicationsto terminate an arrhythmic event or slow down the ventricular rate oruse the medication in combination with electrical therapies. The longerthe arrhythmia duration, the less successful medications will be interminating the arrhythmia. In addition, anticoagulation drug therapymay have to be extended for an additional 3-4 weeks to reduce the riskof a stroke to the patient. Notification via PMS 118, which is proximateto IMD 102 (via a wrist worn device or a personal digital assistant typedevice), is useful in guiding the patient through anticoagulationtherapy when events are long lasting and unresponsive to medical and/orelectrical therapies. System 100, via PMS 118, provides the feature ofadvising the patient in real time of the success or progress of theelected treatment or therapy. Furthermore, since some medications canincrease the likelihood that antitachycardia pacing or defibrillationtherapies will terminate an arrhythmia, PMS 118 will guide the patientas to the appropriate time to take certain medication in order forelectrical therapies to be more successful.

[0025] Referring again to FIG. 1A, a communications link is firstestablished between IMD 102 and MD data processor 108 via IMD portinterface 104. In a related embodiment, the communications link isestablished directly between the IMD and data processor 118A in order toestablish two way communications between the patient and PMS 118 for thepatient implemented therapies scenario. Implanted medical devicedatabase 108, which is a secured database or website provided via MDdata processor 108, is then accessed by using a set of patientidentification data. In this example embodiment, the patientidentification data is the serial number of the IMD but can be a specialcode that is assigned to the IMD patient for obtaining access to thesecured database. System 100 facilitates access by the patient havingIMD 102 of the secured database using the IMD serial number as thepassword, after which the patient requests information and/or data fromthe database. Information available to the patient includes, but is notlimited to, information about the particular IMD in use, latesttechnological developments, clinical trials, patient/lifestyleguidelines, support group information, special HOT LINE numbers foremergencies, dietary and exercise programs and additional links to otherwebsites. System 100 detects the condition at the IMD patient locationthat the patient is seeking information or data and proceeds to providethe data as a function of the inquiry made. The data response is thengenerated by IMD data processor 108 and displayed (e.g., on a CRT or LCDscreen or LED display) for use by the patient in educating himself oncurrent IMD health concerns or issues.

[0026] In another example embodiment, processor 118A communications withthe patient is initiated by either the patient or by PMS 118 where aheart condition is detected. In this example, the patient of IMD 102actively seeks a status evaluation of (or a treatment strategy for) hisIMD with respect to his heart and either activates PMS 118 or obtainsaccess to IMD data processor 108 for an evaluation or detection of atleast one of a plurality of current heart conditions. Once the link withthe IMD data processor 108 (or PMS 118) is established, patientdiagnostic data is uplinked to the IMD data processor (or PMS 118) forevaluation and detection of the patient's heart condition. Detectableheart conditions include, but are not limited to, arrhythmia,tachycardia, bradycardia and eventual heart failure and are detectedover IMD port interface 104 for processor 108 (or directly by 118A fromthe IMD). A data response as a function of the detected heart conditionis then generated by IMD data processor 108 (or PMS 118) and isdisplayed for use in patient evaluation. In an example embodiment, thedata response is displayed on display 119 of PMS 118 and includes a listof recommended medicinal and/or electrical impulse therapies that areadministered by the patient (or a medical assistant).

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1B, a flow diagram 140 illustrates anexample manner of processing IMD diagnostic data and implementingtherapies in connection with detected heart conditions, in accordancewith an example embodiment of the invention. In general, the systemguided drug therapy process is illustrated is programmable and isintended to interact and communicate with external messaging systems. Ina related embodiment, a patient activator (not shown) communicates withPMS 118 to properly time electrical therapies with medication therapies.In this example embodiment, at step 142 atrial fibrillation (AF) isinitiated or commences and lasts for a certain duration of time, withthe time value exceeding a predefined time value before the patientnotification process starts or before the patient notices that a problemmay be occurring. At step 143 PMS 118 initiates communication with thepatient, and depending on the time duration or other defined criteria,will follow either steps 144, 150, 154 or 158. At step 144, PMS 118advises patient that AF has exceeded a time value of T1 and/or that theBurden has exceeded a certain Burden limit value (B limit) and that itis time to initiate therapy. In this example, the patient is alerted byan alarm signal coming from PMS 118 and is instructed at step 146, viaan alphanumeric message on display 119, as to his treatment options. Inthis example, his treatment options include either drugs or pacingoptions or a combination of both. Two way communications already havingbeen established as discussed earlier, the patient exercises one of thetreatment options and advises PMS 118 of the treatment option exercised.At step 148, PMS 118 notifies the patient whether AF has terminated. IfAF has not terminated, the process can loop back to step 144 or move toanother step in process 140.

[0028] At step 150, the patient is notified by PMS 118 that the timeduration has exceed a time value of T2, or a burden limit (or any othercriteria that is a function of AF duration). At step 152, the patient isadvised on patient management treatment options, which in this exampleincludes taking anticoagulant medication. The patient again proceeds toexercise one of the treatment options and advises PMS 118 of the optionexercised. As in the example described above, the process moves to step148 where the patient waits to be notified that AF has terminated.

[0029] At step 154, PMS 118 notifies the patient that the ventricularrate metric has exceeded a time value of T3. At step 156, the patient isadvised on patient management treatment options, which in this exampleincludes taking rate-controlling medication. The patient again proceedsto exercise one of the treatment options and advises PMS 118 of theoption exercised. As in the example described above, the process movesto step 148 where the patient waits to be notified that AF hasterminated.

[0030] At step 158, PMS 118 notifies the patient that heart failure isbeginning due to a prolonged AF condition. In one example, a sensorinput that detects heart failure communicates the condition to PMS 118in order that the patient is alerted of this condition. At step 160, thepatient is advised on patient management treatment options, which inthis example includes taking medication to control on the onset of heartfailure and/or to call his physician immediately. The patient againproceeds to exercise one of the treatment options and advises PMS 118 ofthe option exercised. As in the example described above, the processmoves to step 148 where the patient waits to be notified that AF hasterminated. In all of the embodiments described, the patient has thechoice of taking control of his own therapy with the guidance andregular feedback (via two-way communication) of PMS 118.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, a flow diagram 200 illustrates anothermanner of accessing and processing IMD diagnostic data, and implementingtherapies in connection with detected heart conditions, in accordancewith an example embodiment of the invention. At step 202, IMD dataprocessor 108 (or processor 118A of PMS 118) detects an atrialfibrillation and the patient is notified by an audible sound emitted byPMS 118. In another example embodiment, the audible sound is prompted bya notification signal 117 sent by IMD data processor 108 via interface104 to PMS 118. In this example embodiment, the patient of IMD 102 isadvised of the detection of one of three conditions: patient alert forAtrial fibrillation (AF; step 204); patient alert for anticoagulation(step 230); and patient alert for rapid and prolonged ventricular rate(step 240). Depending on the detected condition, a different path isfollowed by the IMD patient in administering therapy with the assistanceof PMS 118 and system 100. In one example, the patient is notified viaPMS 118 to take a medication 206 and to advise PMS 118 when themedication has been taken. At step 208, a determination is made whetherthe AF is still present. If not, at step 210 the patient is notifiedthat AF is terminated. If so, at step 212 the patient is advisedaccordingly and another set of therapy options is communicated to thepatient. Depending on the programming of PMS 118, antitachycardia pacingwill be automatically delivered at an optimal drug rate, which is set byeither a fixed time interval or by a change in sensed atrial cyclelength (a surrogate of drug effect). At step 214, another determinationis made whether the AF is still present; if not, at step 216 the patientis advised accordingly. If so, at step 218 either automatic pacingcontinues with a return path to 212, or the patient, at step 220,activates the defibrillation mode of IMD 102 and applies a shock toterminate the arrhythmia.

[0032] In another embodiment, programmable PMS 118 instructs the patientto perform electrical therapies in order to terminate the arrhythmia. Ifthis approach is not successful PMS 118 advises the patient to followanother course of action by taking the medication and activating PMS 118to repeat the pacing therapies after a fixed time interval or whenatrial cycle length changes. Shock therapy may be in order at this pointwith notification being programmed for a fixed time interval to allowthe medication ample time to terminate the heart condition before havingto provide the shock treatment. In most of the embodiments, the patienthas the option of receiving continuous feedback via PMS 118 (or otherdisplay methods) regarding medication efficacy.

[0033] Referring to step 230 of FIG. 2, system 100 along with PMS 118 ishelpful in assisting in the management of anticoagulation therapy. Atstep 232, the programmable features of PMS 118 have a burden threshold.For example, if atrial arrhythmia is present for greater than a certainportion of a 24-hour interval, the patient is notified to startanticoagulation therapy and/or see a physician.

[0034] Referring to step 240, system 100 assists in the management ofventricular rate control for patients with paroxysmal AF. PMS 118 andsystem 100 provide guidance in the use of medication only when needed,since rate controlling medications are poorly tolerated. This treatmentstrategy greatly improves a patient's quality of life by using theprogrammable feature of PMS 118; at step 242, to intermittently use ratecontrol medications. At step 244, a determination is made whether theventricular response is in the alert criteria zone, such as a fast zone.If so, at step 246 the patient is notified via the alert feature of PMS118 that an AF is occurring (ventricular response is in the fast zone)and to start taking the rate control medication. If the ventricularresponse is not in the criteria zone, at step 248 the patient isnotified that the ventricular response is normal. At step 250, anotherdetermination is made whether AF is present. If so, at step 252 patientcontinues the rate control medication. If AF is not present, at step 254the patient is notified that AF has terminated and rate controllingmedication therapy is to be terminated. In this example embodiment, forpatients with chronic AF with accelerated (or breakthrough) fastventricular response, PMS 118 alerts the patient to take an extra doseof rate control medication. If that dose is ineffective, or more thantwo extra doses are needed within a 24 hour to prevent a fastventricular response, then the patient is notified to visit a physician.

[0035] In another embodiment, the antiarrhythmic, anticoagulation andventricular rate control medication therapies guided by system 100 aresimultaneously implemented. A patient that has an episode of AF isnotified to take an antiarrhythmic medication in an attempt to terminatethe arrhythmia. PMS 118 also notifies the patient that the ventricularresponse is in the fast zone and should also take a rate controlmedication. If no such therapies are successful and AF burden falls intothe anticoagulation zone, the patient is notified to startanticoagulation therapy.

[0036] PMS 118 provides instructions to the patient on when medicationsand electrical therapies should be delivered based upon programmablefeatures. The programmable features complement any device in the systemthat monitors, detects and notifies patient when an arrhythmia isoccurring. Treatment options generated by PMS 118 include: 1)medications only and not implementing any electrical therapies, such asin the equipment sold under the brand Reveal™; 2) implementing pacingbackup for drug-induced bardycardia; 3) implementing pacing backup withantitachycardia (AT500™); or 4) implementing pacing backup,antitachycardia pacing and defibrillation (Jewel AFTM). PMS 118, in oneembodiment, is a handheld device using standard telemetry communicationsprotocols or a wristwatch device using radio frequency signals toestablish the telemetry link with the IMD. The patient uses the handhelddevice upon receiving an audible notification tone (from PMS 118) toplace the handheld device in close proximity to the IMD or an IPG(implanted pulse generator). The alphanumeric messaging circuit theninstructs the patient regarding rhythm status and the type of medicationor electrical therapies need to be administered. The patient also usesthe handheld device to instruct the IPG as to when a medication wastaken in order that electrical therapies are timed to occur at a maximalmedication effect. Thus, any synergies between medication and electricaltherapies are exploited.

[0037] Some of the advantages provided by the various embodiments of thepresent invention include: early recognition of the need for therapy;proper diagnosis and therapy early in the detection process; and reducedrisk of toxicity from medications that would normally be takenchronically due to an inability to properly diagnose the heartcondition. With the present invention, antiarrhythmic medications areadministered when an atrial fibrillation occurs and the patient is notbe burdened with the expense, toxicity and inconvenience of dailymedication consumption. In addition, quantifying the daily AF burden andventricular response can guide usage of anticoagulation and rate controldrug. Moreover such diagnosis and patient awareness will document drugtherapy efficacy on a real time basis. By diagnosing on a timely basis apatient's heart condition, such as an arrhythmia, undesirableconsequences such as chronic AF, congestive heart failure orthromboembolic events can be avoided. Continuous monitoring of heartrhythm with patient notification of arrhythmia onset and terminationwill allow the patient to be in control of their AF management. Withimproved arrhythmia management provided by the present invention thepatient is alerted to take medication, to deliver electrical therapy(pacing or defibrillation) or seek medical attention before onset ofconditions requiring anticoagulation therapy.

[0038]FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 for accessing and processing IMDpatient diagnostic data, as well as formatting such data as a functionof the IMD patient's request, in accordance with an example embodimentof the invention. The method and system facilitate the access by an IMDpatient of diagnostic data for patient education and evaluation. IMDinformation is retrievable from and is displayable at a home environment302, for example. Additional information is retrievable through adatabase located at a data processing center or hospital via theInternet 304. Patient information that is retrieved in a healthcarefacility 306, and stored in a secured database, is accessible by thepatient via the Internet 304 or by telephone or other communicationsystems.

[0039] In this example embodiment, the patient first establishes acommunications link between the IMD and the IMD data processor 108 viathe IMD device interface as in FIG. 1. A secured IMD database providedby the MD data processor is then accessed using a set of patientidentification data (e.g., IMD serial number or an alpha-numericpassword assigned by database manager). A set of patient diagnostic datafrom IMD 102 is then transmitted via an uplink transmission to IMD dataprocessor 108 for processing. A set of formatted data is generated, as afunction of a request from the patient, by IMD data processor 108 usingthe patient's diagnostic data. In one example, current diagnostic datais compared with the patient's historical information stored in database109. In another example, the data is also formatted to draw comparisonswith information from other IMD users to illustrate a trend or forrecognition of a pattern in the patient's IMD operation. The formatteddata generated by IMD data processor 108 is then displayed for use inthe patient's own evaluation or as an interactive tool to be used withthe physician or with a data processing center having staffknowledgeable in implanted medical devices. In another embodiment, theinteractive component is available for discussing the patient formatteddata with a remotely located expert data center or physician. This caninclude a voice connection via a home PC or using the telephone to havea discussion concerning the displayed data.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the patient diagnostic data isretrievable from the IMD and certain heart conditions are detectable byIMD data processor 108 (or PMS 118) that include, but are not limitedto, Atrial Fibrillation, Ischemia, Mich. (Myocardial Infarction) and SCD(Sudden Cardiac Death) detection and prediction. Other equipment thatcan be incorporated into system 100 for improved diagnostic capabilityof a patient's IMD condition include: implanted event recorders,implanted diagnostic monitors and pacing/defibrillation systems. Othernon-invasive physiological information can also be gathered by system100 that would assist the patient in conducting a minimal level ofself-health evaluation. For example, ECG information is retrievable foranalysis by the patient well before a health condition occurs thatrequires hospitalization. This information is recorded in the database109 for later use in patient diagnostic data analysis and is accessiblethrough server 113 of communications network 112 or through the Internet304.

[0041] Some of the advantages provided by the various embodiments of thepresent invention include enhanced patient availability for regular IMDand ECG evaluations and a comfortable interrogation session in apatient's home or familiar environment that eliminates the necessity oftraveling to the hospital.

[0042] The present invention is compatible with a number of techniquesfor interrogating implanted medical devices, such as drug pumps,neurological implants, nerve stimulators, various cardiac implants andequivalent medical devices. In addition, the embodiments described arecompatible with remote patient management systems that interact withremote data and expert data centers and compatible with a datacommunication system that enables the transfer of clinical data from thepatient to a remote location for evaluation, analysis, data reposition,and clinical evaluation.

[0043] Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerousstructures to which the present invention may be applicable will bereadily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the presentinvention is directed upon review of the present specification. Theclaims are intended to cover such modifications and devices.

We claim:
 1. A method for accessing implanted medical device for patientalert and therapy dispensation data comprising: establishing acommunications link between an implanted medical device and a dataprocessor via an implanted medical device interface; obtaining access toa secured database via the data processor using a set of patientidentification data; submitting via the data processor a query to thesecured database in response to input patient diagnostic data; anddisplaying the data received from the secured database for use in apatient evaluation.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofsubmitting the query includes the step of: detecting via the dataprocessor at least one of a plurality of predefined conditions of thepatient's implanted medical device; and generating a data response as afunction of the detected conditions.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinthe step of detecting a condition includes the steps of: performing anuplink transmission of a set of patient diagnostic data from theimplanted medical device to the data processor; and processing thepatient diagnostic data to detect at least one of the plurality ofconditions.
 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of:notifying the patient via the data processor of the detected condition;monitoring the implanted medical device; and displaying a firstimplanted medical device status.
 5. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising: displaying a first set of treatment options as a function ofthe first implanted medical device status and of the patientnotification; and exercising at least one of the treatment options. 6.The method of claim 5, wherein displaying treatment options includesdisplaying at least one medical option along with a time interval forexercising the displayed option.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein thetreatment options are selected from the group consisting of: medication,electrical impulse from the implanted medical device, and a request formedical assistance.
 8. The method of claim 5, further comprising thestep of notifying the data processor of the exercised treatment option.9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: monitoringthe implanted device continuously after notification of exercise of thedisplayed option; and notifying the patient of a second medical devicestatus and of a second set of treatment options, the second set oftreatment options being a function of the exercised option and thesecond medical device status.
 10. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising the step of reconfiguring patient notification of thedetected condition such that the patient notification is responsive to asecond plurality of conditions.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinobtaining access to the secured database includes obtaining access to aremotely located secured database via a communications network.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein input patient diagnostic data includes an IMDpatient request for information from the secured database. 13 The methodof claim 1, wherein the step of establishing a communications linkincludes automatically retrieving the set of patient identification datafrom the IMD.
 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step ofreconfiguring the treatment options as a function of the exercisedoption and the IMD status.
 15. A system for accessing implanted medicaldevice data comprising: means for establishing a communications linkbetween an implanted medical device and a data processor via animplanted medical device interface; means for obtaining access to asecured database via the data processor using a set of patientidentification data; means for submitting via the data processor a queryto the secured database in response to input patient diagnostic data;and means for displaying the data received from the secured database foruse in a patient evaluation.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein saiddisplay means includes an LCD, CRT and an LED screen adapted to displaythe data received.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the set ofpatient identification data includes an implanted medical device serialnumber.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the data received from thesecured database includes a set of implanted medical device treatmentoptions.
 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising means fornotifying a patient of the detection of a heart condition at theimplanted medical device coupled to the data processor and displaymeans, the data processor configured and arranged to receivenotification of an exercise of a treatment option.
 20. A system of claim19, wherein the data processor is adapted to reconfigure the treatmentoptions as a function of the exercised option and the IMD status.
 21. Amethod for accessing implanted medical device data comprising:establishing a communications link between an implanted medical deviceand a data processor via an implanted medical device interface;obtaining access to a secured database via the data processor using aset of patient identification data; transmitting a set of patientdiagnostic data from the implanted medical device to the data processor;submitting via the data processor a query to the secured database inresponse to detecting a condition at the implanted medical device fromthe patient diagnostic data; and displaying the data received from thesecured database for use in a patient evaluation.
 22. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the step of submitting the query includes the step of:detecting via the data processor at least one of a plurality ofpredefined conditions of the patient's implanted medical device; andgenerating a data response as a function of the detected conditions. 23.The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of: notifying thepatient via the data processor of the detected condition; monitoring theimplanted medical device; and displaying a first implanted medicaldevice status.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the stepsof: displaying a first set of treatment options as a function of thefirst implanted medical device status; exercising at least one of thetreatment options; notifying the data processor of the exercisedtreatment option; monitoring continuously the implanted device; andnotifying the patient of a second medical device status and of a secondset of treatment options, the second set of treatment options being afunction of the exercised option and the second medical device status.25. A method for accessing implanted medical device data comprising:establishing a communications link between an implanted medical deviceand a data processor via an implanted medical device interface;obtaining access to a secured database provided via the data processorusing a set of patient identification data; transmitting a set ofpatient diagnostic data from the implanted medical device to the dataprocessor; generating a set of formatted data via the data processorusing the patient diagnostic data as a function of a data request fromthe patient; and displaying the set of formatted data received from thesecured database via the data processor for use in a patient evaluation.26. A method of claim 25, wherein generating the formatted data includesextracting a set of historical patient diagnostic data from the secureddatabase.
 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step ofusing the communications link between the implanted medical device andthe data processor to address a patient query on the formatted dataafter the formatted data has been displayed.
 28. The method of claim 26,further comprising the step of establishing a communications link with apatient having the implanted medical device to provide an interactiveexchange of information with a data processing center located remotefrom the patient.
 29. The method of claim 25, wherein the step ofgenerating the formatted data includes the step of formatting thepatient diagnostic data to illustrate a trend.
 30. A system foraccessing implanted medical device data comprising: means forestablishing a communications link between an implanted medical deviceand a data processor via an implanted medical device interface; meansfor obtaining access to a secured database via the data processor usinga set of patient identification data; means for transmitting a set ofpatient diagnostic data from the implanted medical device to the dataprocessor; means for generating a set of formatted data via the dataprocessor using the patient diagnostic data as a function of a datarequest from the patient; and means for displaying the set of formatteddata from the implanted medical data processor for use in a patientevaluation.
 31. A system for accessing implanted medical device datacomprising: means for establishing a communications link between animplanted medical device and a data processor via an implanted medicaldevice interface; means for obtaining access to a secured database viathe data processor using a set of patient identification data; means fortransmitting a set of patient diagnostic data from the implanted medicaldevice to the data processor; means for submitting via the dataprocessor a query to the secured database in response to detecting acondition at the implanted medical device from the patient diagnosticdata; and means for displaying the data received from the secureddatabase for use in a patient evaluation.